UNL's 'Real Nebraska' movie contest begins online, top prize $1,000

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's first online student film contest began this week on the "Real Nebraska" Web site.

Amateur UNL student filmmakers submitted short films based on the theme "There is no place like Nebraska" for a chance to win $1,000. The single-elimination, tournament-style bracket competition is sponsored by the Office of Admissions. Eight individual and team finalists qualified for the tournament.

Online voters and weekly guest judges will determine the winners of each round. In the end, four winners will be announced, one grand-prize winner of $1,000 and three $250 winners. Students entered the contest in September and had until Nov. 1 to complete their entries.

The contest is a variation of the popular "Real Nebraska" project developed in fall 2003 featuring UNL students on an interactive Web site. Alan Cerveny, dean of admissions, said the film competition was a way to keep the program fresh and exciting. "We have extremely creative students at UNL," Cerveny said. "We wanted to tap into that creative energy and provide our students with an opportunity to share their unique perspectives on UNL in interesting and entertaining ways."

For more information about the "Real Nebraska" movie contest, please visit the Web site.

CONTACT: Alan Cerveny, Dean of Admissions, (402) 472-9531